Tsipras Expected to Announce Early Elections

Amid a growing revolt from the ranks of his own Syriza party and discontent about the course of Greece’s necessary reforms, Greek state broadcaster reported that prime minister Alexis Tsipras will call snap elections after a meeting with his senior advisors, happening now in Athens.

September 20th appears to be the likely date elections will take place.

Kathimerini writer Nick Malkoutzis tweeted the news, which was confirmed by numerous sources.

State TV ERT reports Tsipras spoke to Greek President Pavlopoulos last night. Content not known but speculation is about snap polls #Greece

Calls for elections were coming both from within the ranks of Syriza and from the opposition but until yesterday, Tsipras was said to be opposed to the idea.

Former energy minister Panagiotis Lafazanis, who leads hard left rebels in Tsipras’ Syriza party, repeated his opposition to the 3rd bailout and signaled that he might refuse to support Tsipras in any confidence vote in parliament.

Lafazanis, who was sacked by Tsipras, has already taken a step toward breaking away from the party by calling for a new anti-bailout movement.

ERT state television said the timing of snap elections would be announced later on Thursday.